KaliPI custom build: how-to cross-compile ARM (Rpi2) on a Kali 2.0 host VM or PC, and gain 256MB RAM on your Rpi2

When I started to build my custom Kali ARM image for the Raspberry PI 2, I spent a lot of time looking for info and failing lengthy builds. So I kept these notes as an exercise to understand the process and speed up further builds.

I like cut-paste recipes for my experiments. By executing every step manually I gain better knowledge and control over what I'm doing, so I can manage over time the evolution of my needs, computing environment, external tools.
Only if and when it will be worthwhile, I will eventually automate the process with a script, however most of the time cut-paste is enough.

The updated version of the how-to and related files are on github: https://github.com/cybersec2k/kalipi-kernel 

Kali 2 as a long term everyday Linux #3: backup current data using Computer Forensics tools, install Kali2, restore data

Whenever you install Kali2 on a new shining PC or reinstall your old faithful workhorse, it'a a good idea to backup all the PC content, not only the "working" directories. Sure enough, someday you may want to restore something you forgot to backup, such as an old /etc/somekeyfile, /opt/product/registrationkey, or the hidden .bitcoin folder containing the private key you need to became rich in 2030.

A good solution (and a good exercise) for a complete backup is to do a Computer Forensics disk image. This approach has some advantages:

• The image is compressed and split, but it can be mounted as-is and its contents accessed with read-only guarantee.
• The backup contains everything, not only your working data. It contains even recently deleted files if you don't zero the free space before the backup (file-carving).
• An EFF disk image contains integrity checks for each block of data, so the disk can be reconstructed from the good parts in case of damage.
• You may always restore your disk content someday, as if nothing happened.
• Nevertheless, it's easy.

See after the break how you can do such a backup and install install Kali Linux 2.0 in 10 easy steps.